Train ride small talk that doesn't get awkward
By the end you'll make small talk with a colleague or acquaintance on the commute without long silences.
- 1
もんでますね kyou mo kondemasu ne
Comment on the crowded train, Japan's universal small-talk opener.
Use when standing next to someone you know on a crowded train
もんでますね。 kyou mo kondemasu ne.
It's crowded again today.
- 2
いいですね ii tenki desu ne
Safe weather comment to break the silence.
Use when the silence is awkward and you want to break it
はいいですね。 kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.
Nice weather today, isn't it.
- 3
どこまでですか？ doko made desu ka?
'Where are you headed?' to extend the chat naturally.
Use when continuing small talk on the train
はどこまでですか？ kyou wa doko made desu ka?
Where are you headed today?
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